A Legacy of Excellence: Exploring Old Dominion University's Basketball History
Old Dominion University boasts an impressive basketball legacy. Since its inaugural season in 1930, the Old Dominion Monarchs men's basketball team has represented Old Dominion University in NCAA Division I men's competition, accumulating 1,240 victories over 81 years, achieving a .591 winning percentage. This article delves into the rich history of the program, highlighting key moments, influential figures, and significant achievements that have shaped the Monarchs' basketball tradition.
From Humble Beginnings to University Status (1930-1969)
Founded in 1930 as the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary, the institution that would become Old Dominion University laid the foundation for its athletic programs. Initially known as the Norfolk "Braves," the basketball team was first coached by Tommy Scott, a 1930 graduate of VMI. Scott led the team for ten seasons, amassing a record of 84-83. Besides basketball, Scott also coached football, track, and baseball teams at Old Dominion. He retired from teaching and coaching in 1941 to pursue a business career.
George Stirnweiss briefly coached Old Dominion for two seasons in the early 1940s, going just 4-29 during his tenure. Scrap Chandler followed as head coach of Old Dominion for three seasons, going 27-24. The Old Dominion University Natatorium is named after Scrap Chandler. Old Dominion had two coaches in two years following Scrap Chandler in the mid-1940s. Bud Metheny arrived at Old Dominion in 1948 and served as the baseball coach from 1948 to 1980 and the head basketball coach from 1948 to 1965, compiling a 198-163 record and posting 16 winning seasons. In 1962, the institution gained independence and became Old Dominion College. University status was granted in 1969, and the name was changed to Old Dominion University.
Sonny Allen Era and Division II Dominance (1965-1976)
Sonny Allen was named head coach at Old Dominion in 1965, following athletic director Bud Metheny’s outstanding career. In ten years, Allen led the Monarchs to 181 wins, and a second place national finish at the 1970 NCAA Division II championships. A significant milestone in the program's history occurred in 1975 when they were crowned the Division II national champions.
Transition to Division I and Postseason Appearances (1976-1994)
Paul Webb took control in 1976-77 and led the Monarchs to the first NIT bid in program history. Webb successfully guided the Old Dominion program to one of the nation's premier Division I basketball programs. In nine seasons, Webb won 196 victories and took the Big Blue to eight national postseason tournaments. Webb reached the NCAA tournament three times and the NIT five times. The Monarchs made the transition to Division I in 1976-77 and have since been selected for postseason play 20 times, eight by the NCAA and ten by the NIT. In 1985, the reins were turned over to Tom Young and he guided the Monarchs to a 23-8 mark in 1986 and an NCAA bid. The Monarchs advanced to the second round for the first time ever. In 1991-92, former captain Oliver Purnell returned to his alma mater and led Old Dominion to the CAA title and a trip to the NCAA. Jeff Capel took over in 1994-95 and guided the Monarchs to the second round of the NCAA after a stunning victory over third seed Villanova, 89-81 in triple overtime.
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The Blaine Taylor Years (2001-2013)
In April 2001, Blaine Taylor became the Monarchs fifth Division I head coach. He guided ODU to the school's most wins in a single season (28) in 2004-05, winning the CAA crown and advancing to the NCAA tournament. The following year, ODU won another 24 games and reached the semi-finals of the NIT at Madison Square Garden. The 2007 Monarchs won another 24 games and advanced to the NCAA tournament as an at-large team. In 2008, ODU reached the quarterfinals of the inaugural College Basketball Invitational (CBI). In 2008-09 the Monarchs won the championship of the inaugural College Insider.com tournament with a 25-10 record. In 2009-10, ODU captured its fifth CAA title and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament after beating sixth seeded Notre Dame, 51-50. In 2010-11, ODU won its second straight CAA crown and lost at the buzzer to Butler in the NCAA tournament.
Jeff Jones Era (2013-2024)
Jeff Jones became the head coach of Old Dominion for the 2013-14 season. Jones' teams had a 203-131 record during his 11 seasons. Jeff Jones lead the Monarchs to the 2015 NIT Final Four, 2016 Vegas 16 championship, 2019 Conference USA Championship and the 2019 NCAA Tournament where they fell to eventual Elite 8 participant Purdue in the first round. On February 26, 2024, Jones retired after a 32-year career. Prior to that, on January 15, 2024, it was announced that Jones would step away for the rest of the season due to health concerns.
Postseason Tournament History
The Old Dominion Monarchs have a rich history of postseason appearances, showcasing their competitive spirit on both the national and regional stages.
NCAA Tournament Appearances (Division I)
The Monarchs have appeared in 12 Division I NCAA Tournaments.Note: Following the introduction of the "First Four" round in 2011, the Round of 64 and Round of 32 were referred to as the second round and third round, respectively, from 2011 to 2015.
NCAA Tournament Appearances (Division II)
The Monarchs have appeared in six NCAA Men's Division II basketball tournaments. Their combined record is 14-7.
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National Invitation Tournament (NIT)
The Monarchs have appeared in 11 National Invitation Tournaments.
College Basketball Invitational (CBI)
The Monarchs have appeared in two College Basketball Invitationals.
CollegeInsider.com Tournament
The Monarchs have appeared in two CollegeInsider.com Tournaments. They were champions of the inaugural tournament in 2009.
Vegas 16
The Monarchs appeared in, and won, the first and only Vegas 16.
Notable Players
Old Dominion University has produced a number of talented basketball players throughout its history. Among them are: No. OD Hall of Famer Leo Anthony (#5), Dick St. Dave Twardzik, Joel Copeland, Wilson Washington, and reportedly, Old Dominion is set to retire Bazemore’s Jersey on Dec.
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